Rotherham’s skyline was transformed into an oceanic oasis at the end of July, with a giant art sculpture that was craned into Clifton Park as part of a programme of Children’s Capital of Culture 2025 testbed events.
The ambitious 70ft tall Fish Mobile was commissioned to celebrate the build-up to Rotherham becoming the world’s first Children’s Capital of Culture in 2025, designed by international production studio, Kaleider, and brought to life by a group of 17 to 25-year-old trainees employed by Rotherham Council.
Curious families and children visited the park in their droves to witness the 8m long swimming fish in the sky, and even became mini sculptors and artists themselves, making their own fish mobiles at creative workshops held in the park.
Aspiring marketeer Christopher Badger from Rotherham was one of the young people commissioned by the Council to gain experience in the creative industries and bring more culture and fun to young people in the town. He said: “It was incredible to see the Fish Mobile come together after months in the making. So many people came to see the mysterious swimming fish in the sky, which you could spot from a mile off! Rotherham has never seen anything like this before, so I feel really proud that I was part of the group that made it happen. I learnt so much from the artists, and about how to put an event together.”
Visit www.rotherham2025.com to find out more about Children’s Capital of Culture and upcoming events.
What young people in Rotherham have to say about Rotherham being the first Children’s Capital Culture:
“Being Children’s Capital of Culture will make Rotherham a better place for my daughter. When you think of Rotherham now, you don’t necessarily think of arts and culture, but we need to make that change. We need more good things to do and see and be inspired by in Rotherham. I want my daughter to grow up and feel happy where she lives.”
Naomi Duff
“I can’t wait for Rotherham to be Children’s Capital of Culture. It’s nice for my hometown to be in the spotlight, and it will bring a lot more opportunities to people who live here. The title might not be what you expect of Rotherham, but we’re going to change that!”
Mya Fuller
“Children’s Capital of Culture is going to be so good for young people. It will show that there are opportunities in the creative sector here and change people’s mindset about the town. It’ll put us on the map.
“Rotherham is a diverse place, but there are divides between different communities. I think Children’s Capital of Culture will help bring people from different backgrounds together and create better relationships and understanding of each other.”
Billy Skeet
“I feel like Children’s Capital of Culture is a really positive thing that’s spreading awareness of the different things happening in Rotherham. It’s showing off what the town has and will help bring different communities together who will learn more about each other.
“Rotherham hasn’t got the best reputation and I think it will help more people to have a better view of it. It’s a great opportunity for young people and children too. It will help to teach them to love their town and see the positives of Rotherham.”
Aliya Ahmed
“Rotherham is brimming with creativity which deserves to be showcased. It’s been frustrating to see the bad press Rotherham has got in the past. It’s time the narrative changed.”
Liv Muir Wilson